Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for a bus permit?
If you have attained the age of 60 years (if born before 5th April 1950) or fall into one of the seven eligible disabled categories as described in the Transport Act 2000, you may apply at anytime. If you were born on or after 6th April 1950, you now qualify when you reach your state pension age, please refer to National Bus Concession Scheme for information.
Where and when can I use my bus permit?
The permit entitles the holder to travel for free on journeys within Hertfordshire at anytime on anyday. The permit also entitles the permit holder to free bus travel throughout England on off-peak services (09.30am to 11.00pm Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and Bank holidays). The permit is not valid in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
The services that your permit can be used are generally bus services that link towns, cities and villages. It can be used in London (buses only) and on certain park & ride services (e.g. Cambridge).
The following services are excluded from the National Scheme:
- Night Buses
- National Express and express airport services
- Most school or college only services
- Excursions or tours (including long distance shopping or summer special services)
- Commuter coach services to/from Central London before 0930 Monday to Friday (For travel on Green Line 797 within Hertfordshire check with operator).
- Any National/Local rail services
- London Underground
- Any tram or ferry services
- Dial-a-Ride
- Any Community Transport
Some of the excluded bus and local rail services may offer their own discounts on production of your bus permit. Please contact the relevant bus or rail operator for details of discounts they may offer.
How do I use my permit?
A permit can only be used by the person whose name and photo appears on it. It must be carried on all journeys and is not transferable. You must show the permit to the bus driver when boarding the bus or swipe the card in the card reader (in some parts of the Country). Failure to do so may result in the appropriate full adult (standard) fare being charged. Take care of your permit.
What if I lose my permit ?
Either telephone or call in to the Council's offices and give your name, address and details of where your permit was lost. The Council will make a non-refundable charge of £10 for a replacement permit to be issued. For stolen permits, if you are able to provide a valid Police crime number, the fee will be waived. Payment can be made by Cheque, Debit or Credit card only. Cash and Postal orders are not accepted. A replacement will be issued approx 10 working days from the date the non-refundable charge is paid to the Council.
Renewing your Bus Permit
With the introduction of the National Bus Permit from 1st April 2008, all permits are now generally valid until 31st March 2013, so there is no need to renew annually.
However, some disabled permits are only valid until 31st March 2011, these will need to be renewed. The Council will write to you during February.
Conditions of Use
1. The permit is not transferable.
2. The permit is valid for travel on bus services for journeys permitted within the scheme as notified. These services may be subject to change at any time.
3. The permit must be shown to the driver at the time of travel to obtain the concession, and any authorised official on demand. Failure to do so will result in the appropriate full adult (standard) fare being charged. The right is reserved to seek confirmation of the holder's identity.
4. The permit remains the property of the issuing authority. The permit should be surrendered should the holder become ineligible or no longer requires it. If lost, stolen or damaged, please report it to the issuing authority immediately. A non-refundable charge will apply for a replacement.
5. Use of the permit is subject to agreement of the terms and conditions of the bus operator. The permit confers no rights upon the holder other than those of a fare paying passenger.
Useful Contacts
For information on bus and rail timetable
- Intalink Traveline, Tel. 0870 608 2608
- Hertfordshire County Council Passenger Transport Unit, Tel. 01992 556 765
